Fifteen

Chapter 30: Thinking Out Loud

"I wonder how the girls are doing?" Preston asked as they headed back to their dorm buildings. "Yeah. I'm sure they're fine! There's no way they don't make it. Y'all saw how they were moving last night." Jaden responded. "I'd be a nervous wreck," Brooke sighed as they all slowed to go their separate ways.

"You'd be fine. I've seen your dance moves, remember?" Jaden chuckled tickling Brooke. "Oh, shut it!" They laughed. "So how well do you two know each other?" Faye asked leaning over Avery who seemed interested as well. "Yeah," Jaden smiled putting his arm around Brooke.

"Me and this baby thug go way back." Brooke laughed at the nickname. "Oh my gosh!" Avery cleared his throat. The growing irritation on Avery's face was slightly masked. "Technically, we met at Madison Square Garden during a concert." Jaden responded. "But I've always known of the infamous Brooke Brunson."

He smiled at her. "When you have the pleasure of meeting and getting to know someone as great as her," he drew his gaze from her to Avery. "You don't forget it." Avery raised an eyebrow aware of Jaden's gaze. "Okay, I think we should all head back to our rooms to get ready for this Undie Run." Preston interrupted the growing tension.

"Seriously, Jaden!" Brooke whispered squeezing his arm as they headed away from the group. "What," he chuckled. "I overheard that ass hat judging you last night. You're lucky I didn't step in then." Brooke sighed walking with Jaden towards her room. "I know you can handle yourself, Brooke. I just want you to know you've got a real friend in me – who gets it, okay?" He whispered in her ear.

She smiled back at him and interlocked their arms. Avery could feel his blood boiling and felt hot instantly as he watched them walk away. "You good?" Daisy asked beside him. "Yeah, I'm fine." What the fuck is wrong with you? Avery thought angrily as he looked over at Brooke and Jaden once more. Get a grip, man!

*****

A series of dancers came out after Sophia Kate. They each seemed to bring their own personalities into the fields of contemporary, ballet, modern and hip-hop. It truly was a production from the music perfectly mixed by the DJ to the backdrops and stage props that added to each solo. They weren't sure how anyone had time to make it happen, but it was definitely the best free show any of them had seen.

It was almost time for Aria to perform her solo and she began to second-guess everything. She stood in anticipation as the 18th dancer began to perform. It was moments like this that she wished she had a cellphone. She longed to hear from her mother and brothers. Really, she longed to hear from him. Her dad was the king of jazz in her opinion. It was an unlikely coincidence that of all the tryouts, the one that her life mattered on the most, was for the genre he loved most.

She thought of her dad and fought hard to keep the tears at bay, but it was the idea she had and motivation she needed the moment she read the word JAZZ on the card. It was the most brilliant and frightening idea, but it just may work. It was a routine that she knew by heart, but never performed. It was a crazy plan, but it could work and she had to give it a try for herself and for him.

"This is our last solo before the questions portion." Alexis addressed the audience. "After this performance, all of the dancers will come out to answer questions from three of the most influential names in dance and theatre. Now, without further ado, please give a round of applause for Aria Caldwell."

***PLAY VIDEO***

The curtains opened up and the audience was transported to a beautiful oasis. The backdrop was that of a clear night sky covered in stars, as well as, a full moon that looked so bright and real. There was a small bench towards the back right of the stage where Aria sat.

The soft piano instrumental played, as she seemed to float towards the center of the stage. As Michael Buble's voice carried throughout the auditorium to 'Feeling Good', Aria moved gracefully around the stage.

Every single move was executed in a way that had the entire audience captivated. The other dancers now sat in the second row, behind the officers in the first, and each facial expression matched. They were all mesmerized.

Aria lived for moments like this. She poured her whole heart into this routine as the words of poured over her. It was her father's favorite song and since she could remember she had always loved dancing to it. Her pirouettes were supple and elegant.

Each arabesque and hurdler were performed gracefully, while the chasse, entrechat into an attitude earned an approving whistle from the crowd. It was time for the finale and Aria smiled internally as she executed each move.

The audience was immediately on their feet clapping and Aria could see Sophia Kate standing on her chair screaming. The smile on her face perfectly showcased the joy she felt internally. Please let that have made a lasting impression on the judges!

The nineteen other dancers joined Aria on stage once the applause had died down. Sophia Kate squeezed her hand joyfully as they waited to hear from the dance officers. Alexis stood in the audience with the microphone to address them.

"None of us would be here without the illustrious work by Madame Boudreaux. Her global influence in dance has changed the lives of so many men and women. Regardless of who does or does not make this dance team, today we all have the honor of learning something pivotal. Please give a round of applause for our first judge and head of this company, Madame Boudreaux."

Aria couldn't help but stare with her mouth open. The older woman that walked out and took a seat in the middle of the judges' table was the same woman she had hugged before the audition. Her hair no longer hid behind the scarf, but was out in an updo. She did not smile like she had earlier, but hid behind round glasses and a firm expression.

"Wow, she is every bit of intimidating!" Sophia Kate whispered. "I met her earlier. She seemed really kind." Aria responded. It was apparent not many people knew what the famous dance instructor looked like as they all stared in awe.

"Our next two judges have played pivotal roles in the theatre industries and have various Broadway plays to show for it. Please put your hands together for Ms. Davina Dubois and Mr. Anthony Farmer."

Everyone on stage seemed shocked as the older woman walked out. "Wait...are they..." Sophia Kate began. "Twins!" Aria sighed putting the pieces together. The scarf and colorful outfit, along with the bright smile, matched the woman she had hugged earlier. "There's two of them," Asa said beside them. "Don't worry," Aria whispered. "She's the nice twin." They took their seats and silence seized the hall.

"Thank you, Alexis." Madame Boudreaux spoke. The chill in her tone seemed to affect the dancers on stage. "You each will be asked questions from the judges and must answer in a minute. If you go over, Tory will notify with a sound." She instructed. "After answering, I will let you all know who will be joining this illustrious team. Let's begin."